Sanctuary
Protected Area
Apo Island Protected Landscape & Seascape
Why dive here
With 554+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, manta rays and mobula rays (devil rays) - Sanctuary offers some of Visayas's richest diving. Water ranges 28-31°C, warmest May, June, October.
Sanctuary, somewhere in the Visayas, is one of those sites we always make time for. It’s not about huge pelagics, though you might get a barracuda eyeing you from the blue. No, this spot shines for the sheer density of reef fish, especially in the shallows. Drop in, and you’re immediately enveloped by clouds of fusiliers and chromis, so thick they almost block out the sun. Our favourite part is lingering over the coral bommies, finding bristleteeth surgeonfish and jansen's wrasse darting in and out. Keep an eye out for stonefish camouflaged on the rubble, they’re masters of disguise. We love hitting Sanctuary early in the morning, before the dive boats from some of the bigger resorts start rolling in. It's a calmer experience, and the light filtering through the water just feels different. The currents here are generally mild, making it a really relaxed dive, perfect for photographers wanting to spend time with those clown anemonefish. You’ll leave feeling like you just spent an hour swimming in an aquarium, but a much, much better one.
Reviews for Sanctuary
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Sanctuary
Sanctuary Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Sanctuary, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (10.3, 124.07) (19km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
31°C
87°F · Range: 29.5–32.2°C
Air Temperature
24°C
76°F
Wind Speed
3.27 m/s
6.4 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Visayas, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in VisayasPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Visayas.
Search stays in VisayasDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Sanctuary
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
